The “Saturday Night Live” 50th Anniversary special was filled with nostalgic moments, comedic brilliance, and, of course, plenty of celebrity jabs—including a few aimed directly at Bronny James. The 20-year-old rookie for the Los Angeles Lakers found himself in the crosshairs of SNL’s humor, proving once again that no one, not even LeBron James’ son, is immune to the late-night comedy show’s sharp wit.
Michael Che’s Nepotism Joke Lands Big Laughs
During the special episode’s “Weekend Update” segment, co-anchor Michael Che took a lighthearted shot at Bronny, weaving his name into a joke about nepotism.
“Me and Colin [Jost] are actually the longest-serving ‘Weekend Update’ anchors,” Che said. “I’ve done ‘Weekend Update’ for so long, next season I’m co-hosting with my son, Bronny.”
The audience erupted with laughter at the unexpected reference, with the joke playing on the ongoing discussion surrounding Bronny’s NBA career and his connection to his superstar father.
Not the First Time Bronny Has Been an SNL Punchline
This isn’t the first time Che has used Bronny as comedic material. Back in November, he cracked another joke referencing the young NBA player’s journey. At the time, Che referenced the 2024 U.S. Presidential election, quipping that former President Donald Trump’s victory over Vice President Kamala Harris was so lopsided that even Bronny James managed to get some playing time.
While the November joke may have been a bit more pointed, Che’s latest quip was all in good fun, subtly addressing the scrutiny and privilege often associated with being the son of an NBA legend.
SNL Doubles Down with ‘Black Jeopardy!’ Segment
If fans thought Bronny was off the hook after the “Weekend Update” mention, they were mistaken. The young athlete also became the subject of another joke during the “SNL 50” special in a “Black Jeopardy!” sketch, where an entire category was dedicated to him—titled “Leave Bronny Alone.”
The placement of Bronny in this recurring and beloved segment underscored how frequently he’s discussed in pop culture, especially as he continues his transition from college basketball to the professional ranks.
Bronny James: Rising Star Under the Spotlight
Bronny James, who was drafted in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft, has been adjusting to life in the NBA while playing alongside his father, LeBron James, for the Lakers. Though he’s still early in his career, the young guard has already faced immense scrutiny, with debates surrounding whether he earned his spot in the league through merit or if his famous last name played a role.
Despite the jokes, Bronny continues to focus on proving himself on the court, and moments like these on SNL only cement his place as a pop culture figure, beyond just basketball.
LeBron and Bronny James: A Father-Son Legacy in the NBA
LeBron James has spoken openly about his dream of playing in the NBA alongside his son, a feat that became reality when the Lakers drafted Bronny. The duo made history as the first father-son pair to play together in the league, adding another chapter to LeBron’s storied career. However, with that historic achievement comes an amplified spotlight, as seen with SNL’s playful jabs.
A Moment of Humor in the Midst of NBA All-Star Weekend
Bronny, who had some time off from the Lakers during NBA All-Star Weekend, may have been relaxing while catching the special, only to find himself as the butt of several jokes. Yet, given the James family’s history of embracing humor and criticism, it’s likely Bronny took it all in stride.
The SNL 50th Anniversary special delivered a mix of nostalgia and fresh comedy, and Bronny James’ inclusion in the jokes only proves how much of a cultural phenomenon he has already become. Whether on the court or as the subject of late-night TV humor, one thing is clear—Bronny is here to stay.
